A groundbreaking shift in cancer treatment is underway, as emerging scientific evidence highlights exercise not just as a supplement to traditional therapies but as a powerful intervention in its own right. Recent research led by the Exercise Oncology Program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) has demonstrated that strategically prescribed exercise can meaningfully influence cancer biology, helping to counteract the damaging effects of treatment while potentially improving patient outcomes. For Thai readers facing cancer, this latest research marks a promising new direction, offering hope and actionable steps beyond conventional medicine.
For decades, cancer patients were advised to rest and conserve energy. This guidance is now being challenged as research reveals that inactivity—whether in space, as seen with astronauts, or on Earth, as common with patients during chemotherapy—causes muscle and cognitive decline strikingly similar to so-called “space fog” and “chemo brain.” According to exercise oncology leader Dr. Jessica Scott, once a NASA scientist, both cancer patients and astronauts suffer from debilitation that can be partially reversed through movement. “Astronauts have a lot of the same symptoms as cancer patients—being inactive and weightless can hurt fitness in a way similar to receiving a cancer treatment like chemotherapy,” she explained. Her transition to oncology was inspired by observing exercise counteracting space-induced bodily harm—insight she sought to apply to the millions living with cancer.
At MSK, Dr. Scott and Dr. Lee Jones spearhead a program that treats exercise as “precision medicine,” tailoring recommendations to each patient’s unique physiology, cancer type, and treatment course. Their research is guided not by generic fitness advice but through rigorous clinical trials that aim to uncover how exercise modifies disease progression and treatment responses. As exercise physiologist Kylie Rowed notes, “It’s now clear that exercise has major benefits for people being treated for cancer as well as for cancer survivors. In addition to improving physical and mental health, it can help minimize the long-term effects of cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation” (mskcc.org).
One pivotal finding comes from observing fitness levels in cancer patients. When patients underwent three months of chemotherapy, their cardiorespiratory fitness dropped by 15% within half a year—the equivalent of a decade’s worth of aging. Yet, those who exercised just three times a week significantly resisted this steep decline (mskcc.org). The team’s recent focus investigates deeper questions: Can exercise, given with the same precision as pharmaceuticals, alter cancer’s course? How much activity yields the greatest benefit, and is there such a thing as too much?
These questions prompted a first-of-its-kind clinical trial involving 53 men with early-stage prostate cancer. Participants were observed during a critical four-week window between diagnosis and surgery, with no confounding treatments like chemotherapy or radiation. Each participant received a personalized exercise “dose”—ranging from 90 to 450 minutes per week—delivered via treadmill workouts at home, supervised online by exercise specialists.
This uniquely accessible approach, involving home deliveries of treadmills, iPads equipped with health tracking apps, smart watches, and real-time digital monitoring, enabled participants to engage with their exercise regimens despite physical limitations. The social side of the experience, with group Zoom sessions, also contributed to emotional resilience—echoing practices in Thailand where community-based exercise and social connectivity are culturally valued.
Clinicians tracked two key biomarkers linked to prostate cancer advancement: Ki-67, marking tumor cell growth, and PSA, a standard measure of prostate risk. The results were striking: With as little as 225 minutes (just under four hours) of exercise per week, participants saw meaningful stabilization—or even reduction—of these biomarkers. Importantly, increasing the dose of exercise above this threshold yielded no extra benefit, challenging assumptions that “more is always better” and making exercise regimens more achievable for patients, particularly those fatigued by illness or age.
While these findings are promising, the scientists stress that more evidence is needed. As Dr. Scott clarifies: “These results don’t prove exercise will improve someone’s cancer prognosis. Determining if exercise leads to longer survival or better outcomes will require longer and larger clinical trials.” Nevertheless, the signal is clear enough that a phase 2 trial, focusing on the 225-minute weekly dose, is underway. There is excitement, too, about expanding studies to other types of solid tumors and investigating whether cancers with certain genetic profiles may be especially responsive to exercise interventions.
For Thailand, where cancer incidence is rising, and healthcare systems face increasing pressure from non-communicable diseases, the MSK findings hold special resonance. Thais have long embraced community and holistic approaches to well-being, from traditional morning “aerobic dance” groups in city parks to temple-adjacent walking paths. The idea of specific, evidence-based exercise prescriptions could readily integrate into this cultural fabric. For example, hospitals or cancer support centers in Thailand might one day employ exercise physiologists, working alongside oncologists to create personalized fitness plans, as is emerging at leading cancer hospitals globally.
Currently, some Thai hospitals offer basic rehabilitation and exercise options, but few have fully integrated exercise oncology programs. With government investment in “health promotion hospitals” (โรงพยาบาลส่งเสริมสุขภาพตำบล) and increasing public focus on lifestyle factors in medical care, now is an opportune moment for policy leaders and clinicians to consider pilot programs based on the latest evidence (World Health Organization). Adopting this model could improve not only patient survival and recovery but broader quality of life—reducing the burden on families and expanding the role of preventative care in Thailand’s universal health coverage model.
Psychologically, exercise also offers cancer patients a unique sense of agency during a time often marked by helplessness. As a participant described, “As a cancer patient, it was something 100% under my power that could help my recovery.” This empowerment resonates deeply within Thai Buddhist practices that emphasize self-mastery and mind-body harmony in the face of suffering.
Looking forward, researchers envision a future where every cancer patient receives an individualized exercise prescription calibrated to their diagnosis, genetic makeup, and physical capacity—mirroring the advances already achieved in targeted drug therapies. This could bring the most up-to-date standards of care, currently seen in Western hospitals, to Thai patients, ensuring equitable access to innovative, non-pharmaceutical interventions.
For now, experts urge individuals living with or recovering from cancer to speak with their healthcare team before initiating any new exercise routine. Light-to-moderate aerobic activity—such as walking, cycling, or swimming—should be considered, provided it is tailored to the patient’s current health and supervised when possible. Thai health authorities, insurers, and cancer charities are encouraged to disseminate this knowledge through seminars, digital platforms, and partnerships with local communities.
For the general Thai public, these findings offer an additional incentive to maintain active lifestyles well before diseases take root. Schools, employers, and family groups can nurture a culture of movement that not only lowers long-term cancer risks but supports resilience should illness strike.
In summary, the latest research out of Memorial Sloan Kettering heralds a new era where exercise is no longer ancillary to cancer care but approached with the same scientific rigor as pharmaceuticals. For Thailand, this presents an evidence-based yet deeply accessible tool—one that bridges ancient practices with modern medicine. As the science evolves, the message remains clear: movement is not just medicine—it could be among our first lines of defense.
For those facing cancer, the key action is to consult with your medical team about safe, feasible exercise options tailored to your circumstances. For policymakers, the evidence supports developing Thailand-specific guidelines and investing in exercise rehabilitation programs attached to cancer care. As a society, continuing our culture of group activity, open parks, and neighborly support will help extend these benefits to all.
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